Book Coaching and Developmental Editing Package
The time has come to finish your book and get it into the world.
You know this, but the path to getting your manuscript to the point where an agent and editor want it so badly they’re willing to fight for it can be winding, thorny, and seem endless.
My invitation-only Book Coaching and Developmental Editing Package is the clear path to finishing your manuscript.
→ The goal is to engage in an intense period of writing and revision to concentrate and focus to complete a solid manuscript with publication in mind—whether that’s going out with it to agents with an eye toward traditional publishing or going hybrid, more the hybrid model, both of which are viable and well respected in the current publishing climate.
You can’t find this level of expertise and mentorship anywhere else.
How it works
Whom this is for:
I work with writers who are starting from scratch and those who have a full manuscript or have made headway on a full manuscript.
How our time together is structured:
We start with my initial reading of your manuscript—what you have thus far or any Notes or outlines you have
We meet for 10 sessions. Many writers prefer to meet weekly or biweekly, but that’s flexible according to your needs and schedule.
Additional benefits:
Detailed written and video developmental edit feedback
Email and Loom (video feedback) support for quick questions between sessions
Access to curated resources on craft and the publishing industry
What we cover
Depending on where you are in the process, each 45-minute session builds your skills and radically improves your book by focusing on the following:
Drafting
Cultivate your unique voice—because voice is everything
Learn to create a marketable premise and compelling structure
Master techniques for pacing, tension, and (if appropriate) narrative arc
Understand genre expectations and how to meet or subvert them
Integrate research (if appropriate)
Revision
Assess your manuscript on a macro level and create your revision strategy
Address big-picture elements, e.g., structure, plot, character arcs
Refine for thematic consistency
Ensure overall cohesion and reader impact
Identify and eliminate common mistakes
Polishing
Assess your manuscript on the micro level for style and voice
Implement stylistic changes needed
Address final concerns and questions
Insider guidance on publishing
Understand current market trends and publisher expectations
Learn about the querying process and how to position your work
Investment
$9375
About Me
In a nutshell, I’m the creator of two bestselling, Featured Substacks; a member of Substack’s Product Lab; an award-winning HarperCollins author; a former advisory editor at The Paris Review; a freelance writer for The New York Times, et al.; and a member of the creative writing faculty at Northwestern University.
I’m also a private Substack consultant who has helped onto the platform with Substack’s guidance and who’s now helping hundreds of Substack writers double and triple (and more) their subscribers, increase their revenue, and get real engagement.
I have many degrees—M.F.A., M.A., Ph.D. My debut memoir Pathological: The True Story of Six Misdiagnoses (HarperCollins) was an Apple Best Books pick, hailed in The New York Times as a “fiery manifesto of a memoir,” and named by Parade Magazine as one of the sixteen best mental health memoirs to read.
I write for many publications, including The New York Times, The Atlantic, Time, and The Paris Review, where I was an advisory editor. My essays have been chosen as a Notable Mention in Best American Essays and nominated for Pushcart Prizes. I’m the recipient of the Hopwood Award for Literature, as well as grants and fellowships from Yaddo, the Mellon Foundation, and the MacDowell Colony, among others. I’m currently on the creative writing faculty at Northwestern University.
What people are saying…
“Working with Sarah has been my secret weapon for my writing. I feel more confident in my writing and I know how to continue improving as a writer. I can honestly say she sped up my learning curve by years.”
—Latham Turner
“It’s hard to come up with just one reason why writers should work with Sarah. Firstly she has a warm personality and genuinely cares about writers. Her passion is teaching and it shows. She has decades of experience and insider knowledge. Sarah told me exactly what to change and how. She is the best teacher I've had in a long time.”
—Leon McFayden
FAQs
What is book coaching and developmental editing?
Book coaching is an ongoing process where I guide you through the writing of your manuscript, offering support, feedback, and accountability. Developmental editing focuses on big-picture elements like structure, plot, character development, and themes.
Do you do line edits and proofreading?
No. This is developmental editing only.
What genres do you work with?
I have experience with a wide range of genres, including literary fiction, crime fiction, memoir, narrative non-fiction, and more. If you're unsure whether your genre is a good fit, please reach out: sarah@sarahfay.org.
How often will we meet during the coaching process?
We have 45-minute Zoom sessions, which we'll space out to best support your progress.
Will you write or rewrite parts of my book for me?
No, I don't do any writing or rewriting. My role is to guide, teach, and provide feedback to help you improve your own writing skills and create your best work.
How do you feel about an author who uses AI to generate their manuscript?
Every writer has their own process, and I respect what each writer feels is best for them. That said, if you’ve used AI to generate your manuscript, you’ll want to find someone whose expertise is AI-generated writing.
What if I can't make one of our scheduled sessions?
I understand that life can be unpredictable. If you need to reschedule, please give me at least 24 hours notice, and we'll find a new time that works for both of us.
Do you offer refunds if I'm not satisfied?
Due to the nature of the work and the time invested, I don't offer refunds. However, I'm committed to your success and will work with you to ensure you're getting the support you need throughout our time together.
Will you help me find an agent or publisher?
While I don't directly connect clients with agents or publishers, I do provide guidance on the submission process, including how to write query letters and identify potential agents. My insider knowledge of the industry can be invaluable in this process.
What makes your coaching different from other programs or courses?
My unique combination of experience as a published author, teacher at top MFA programs, and former advisory editor at The Paris Review gives me a comprehensive understanding of the writing and publishing world. This, coupled with my personalized, one-on-one approach, ensures you're getting tailored guidance that can't be found in general courses or programs.
Do I need to have started writing my book to work with you?
I work with writers at all stages, from those with just an idea to those with a completed manuscript to those who felt they’d completed their manuscript only to have trouble finding an agent and know they need to revise again.
What happens after our work together is complete?
After our formal coaching period ends, many writers feel prepared to continue on their own. However, if you need additional support, we can discuss options for continued coaching or specific consultations as you move forward with your project.